Niagara County Clerk Jastrzemski: Real ID postponed until 2021

Submitted

Fri, Mar 27th 2020 12:00 pm

Niagara County Clerk Joseph A. Jastrzemski on Friday said the Department of Homeland Security has delayed implementation of the REAL ID requirements for domestic flights until Oct. 1, 2021. The requirements were set to take place this October.

“I am very grateful that common sense has prevailed and the REAL ID requirements have been pushed back,” Jastrzemski said. “With our DMV offices and our passport office closed indefinitely, this really is the only option.”

Jastrzemski said, given the uncertain nature of when these offices will reopen, he was concerned about the ability to meet demand.

“We know there is going to be a lot of catch-up to do in the clerk’s office once life returns to some degree of normal, just with drivers’ licenses, car registrations, pistol permits and so on,” he said. “We do not need the pressure of the REAL ID deadline creating further backlog for our office and an additional expense for residents.”